The GRTU has also requested the MRA to say whether it is satisfied that EU regulations and procedures are being respected to the full. The chamber is also interested to know whether Enemalta is being subjected by the Office for Fair Competition (OFC) to the monopolies regime of assessments prior to approval of price increases.

In letters sent to the MRA and the OFC, the GRTU said the issue is important because the government is declaring “its” intention to raise electricity charges.

Needless to say, said the GRTU, it is the monopolist supplier Enemalta Corporation which has to make a case to the Malta Resources Authority as Energy Regulator. The MRA is expected to perform its role according to EU directives and norms governing the regulation of energy suppliers, while the OFC is expected to ensure that the monopolist supplier is basing its claims for increased charges on a rigid assessment of Enemalta’s costings systems and purchasing procedures and that the claims for increases reflect pricing and costings in a competitive environment.

GRTU expects the MRA and the OFC to follow acceptable procedures in assessing claims for an increase in charges made by Enemalta Corporation so as to protect the interests of the consumer and all stakeholders.

These procedures should include the public notification of claims by the suppliers and the presentation of arguments supporting these claims and costings for review by the Regulator. The procedures should also provide sufficient time for the hearing of objections and the presentation of counter arguments by all those involved, the GRTU said.

The GRTU says it retains its right to present its complaints to the European Commission, should it feel that EU regulations and norms on competition and the regulation of monopolies are not being fully adhered to in Malta.